Long term nutritional effects of extensive resection of the small intestine

A nutritional study was carried out on 36 patients several years after major resection of the small intestine (100 to 330 cm). Thirty one of these resections had been performed for Crohn's disease and only patients who had been clinically free of disease for more than one year were studied. The group of patients were 15% below their ideal weight. Total body fat was 24% below the predicted normal value and total body protein was 10% below. Although deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid were frequently found, only six patients were anaemic. Other vitamin and mineral deficiencies were common. Despite these abnormalities, two thirds of the patients were engaged in their normal occupation full time and were subjectively well. The others who did not regain their normal capacity for work, had a greater nutritional deficit and a shorter length of remaining small intestine. It is concluded that nutritional deficiencies are common following extensive small bowel resection and all patients need regular follow up and appropriate vitamin and mineral supplementation. However, major disturbances of body composition and severe protein energy malnutrition with a reduced capacity for work are restricted to a small number of patients with very short lengths of remaining small intestine.